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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air India has improved training, strengthened standards: CEO Campbell Wilson
Air India has improved training, strengthened standards and has been focused on improving reporting about safety and other matters, the airline's CEO Campbell Wilson said on Friday. Against the backdrop of its plane crash that killed 260 people on June 12, Wilson said it is natural that there is a period of intense scrutiny following an accident and that all commentary must be taken constructively with grace and an open mind. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence MCA Technology healthcare MBA PGDM Management Design Thinking Data Analytics Data Science others Finance CXO Others Healthcare Operations Management Project Management Product Management Digital Marketing Public Policy Data Science Degree Cybersecurity Leadership Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details The Tata Group-owned airline, which has come under intense scrutiny following the accident, has taken certain measures, including temporary curtailment of flights and completion of inspection of its Boeing 787 and 737 fleets. In recent years, Wilson said the airline has improved training and promulgated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to give direction and clarity, strengthened standards, instilled processes to drive compliance and consistency, and introduced performance management practices to rise higher. "We have focussed on improving reporting, whether it be of safety or other matters, by making it easier to do, more encouraged, more protected and put to more use, and we have adopted philosophies such as those from Baines-Simmons to take opportunities for organisational learning and improvement before jumping to blame or punishment," he said in a message to Air India staff. Live Events Baines-Simmons is a leading aviation safety training and consulting firm. There have been some incidents involving Air India planes in recent weeks, and aviation regulator DGCA has also issued show cause notices for certain violations following voluntary disclosures made by the carrier. "We have invested significantly in the adoption of digital systems to replace paper-based ones, so that we have more complete, accurate, accessible and usable data that does not reside in silos," Wilson said. According to him, sometimes the extra attention means that normal issues get misinterpreted or sensationalised, but sometimes the scrutiny highlights genuine areas for improvement. "We must take all commentary constructively with grace and an open mind and, where there is an opportunity to act, must do so," he noted. Wilson, who is the CEO and MD, highlighted that the airline's Net Promoter Score (NPS) touched an all-time record high in July. NPS is an indicator of passenger satisfaction across various touch points. "... so far in July more than 1,00,000 have taken the opportunity to give such feedback, and have collectively delivered us an all-time record high NPS score of +34. "FY23's NPS was -17, FY24 was -3 and last year was +16 so, to close on the opening theme, this steady upward progression is yet another example of continuous improvement in action," he said. The airline has completed the inspection of fuel switches on its B737 fleet following the earlier exercise on its B787s. "In both cases, nothing untoward was found. Reliability enhancement work, using the additional ground time made available by the Pause, continues, while partial restoration of our temporary schedule reduction commences on 1st August ahead of full restoration planned for 1st October," Wilson said. Air India is observing 'Safety Pause', the deliberate temporary scale-back of its international and domestic networks, after the crash of its London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft soon after take off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people on June 12.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Retailers leased 2.24 million square feet during April-June quarter
Retailers leased 2.24 million square feet of space across malls and high streets in the top eight cities during April-June, 5.4% dip q-o-q and a 6.3% dip y-o-y. According to Cushman & Wakefield, H1 2025 leasing volumes stood at 4.61 MSF, marking a 17% y-o-y growth. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence Operations Management MCA MBA Product Management Leadership Healthcare Digital Marketing Data Science Technology Project Management Public Policy Data Science Finance healthcare CXO Others PGDM Design Thinking Data Analytics Degree others Management Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Malls accounted for 45% of leasing volume in Q2 (1.01 MSF) –a 42% q-o-q rise, and the highest mall share in the past five quarters, signaling growing interest in experience-driven, structured retail formats. However, high streets witnessed a 26% q-o-q decline, although they continued to dominate with 55% (1.23 MSF) of leasing activity, underscoring the persistent undersupply of quality mall stock across cities. No new mall supply was added in Q2, and Grade A mall completions for H1 2025 stood at 1.3 million square feet. As a result, mall vacancy levels dropped by around 77 basis points to 8.16% in Q2 2025, with premium Grade-A+ or superior malls witnessing even tighter vacancies at just 4.28%. This highlights the growing demand for premium retail assets and further strengthening landlord leverage in prime locations. Meanwhile, average mainstreet rents remained stable on a q-o-qbasis, while recording a healthy 6% y-o-y rise. 'India's retail sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum, with consistent growth in leasing volumespointing to a healthy underlying demand. Nearly 4 MSF of new Grade A supply is expected in the second half of the year, particularly across key metros such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad. This should help bring more balance to the market and open up fresh opportunities for retailers to expand in line with evolving consumer expectations,' said Suvishesh Valsan, Head, Research India at Cushman & Wakefield. In terms of cities, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR emerged as the top-performing markets, collectively accounting for over 70% of the total leasing activity in the quarter. Additionally, domestic retailers continued to maintain a dominant position in leasing volume with 86% share (1.93MSF). The quarter also witnessed a notable uptake in international retailer participation, whose share rose to 14% with 0.31 MSF of leasing activity, up from 8.5% in the previous quarter. This growth was largely driven by malls, which remain the preferred format for global brands seeking structured environments, brand visibility, and curated customer experiences.


Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zoho's Sridhar Vembu, an IITian with Rs 50,000 cr networth, says kids should learn music, maths, poetry but not for medals. He explains why
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu is once again urging parents and educators to rethink what truly shapes a child's future—and it's not just marks or medals. In a recent post on X, Vembu highlighted a powerful yet often overlooked idea: early exposure to the arts, sciences, and culture can profoundly impact how children grow—not just professionally, but as individuals. He pointed to a wide range of disciplines, from pure mathematics and Carnatic music to chess, classical poetry, sculpture, and even fine cooking, calling them foundational experiences rather than competitive pursuits. According to him, the goal isn't to raise prodigies or world-class performers, but to nurture minds capable of deeper thought, better creativity, and sharper expression. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Others Artificial Intelligence Degree MCA Product Management Project Management Data Analytics Management Public Policy Data Science others MBA Digital Marketing healthcare Design Thinking CXO PGDM Healthcare Operations Management Technology Leadership Data Science Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Drawing from his own life, Vembu admitted he may not excel in any of these domains, but each has shaped his perspective in unexpected ways. For instance, his love for mathematics has enriched his understanding of software development, while familiarity with classical arts, he believes, can help someone blossom into a brilliant architect or orator. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo The takeaway? Exposure matters more than expertise. By introducing children to a wide array of intellectual and cultural traditions—without the pressure to compete—Vembu believes we can help them grow into more thoughtful, capable, and well-rounded individuals. Internet reacts Many users resonated deeply with Sridhar Vembu's post, reflecting on how India's rich intellectual and cultural heritage is slowly being sidelined in the name of modernity. One user pointed out how ancient India excelled in diverse fields, yet much of that wisdom is now forgotten or abandoned. Another appreciated the mention of Bharatanatyam, calling it a deeply sophisticated art form that builds memory, stamina, focus, creativity, and discipline—far beyond its surface appeal. Others emphasised the practical impact of early exposure to such disciplines. Cooking, for instance, was described as an underrated life skill that promotes independence and better health. Several comments echoed the belief that it's not about grooming prodigies, but about nurturing curious, sensitive, and well-rounded individuals. These foundational skills, they noted, quietly enhance how children think, create, and solve problems—no matter the path they eventually Sridhar Vembu, an IITian with Rs 50000 crore networth, says kids should learn music, maths, poetry, but not for medals. He explains why


Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
Annabelle doll disappears after investigator touring with it dies suddenly. What happened in that hotel room?
In a development that has unsettled both skeptics and believers in the supernatural, paranormal investigator and U.S. Army veteran Dan Rivera was found dead in his hotel room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, just hours after leading a sold-out ghost tour. The 54-year-old had been traveling across the United States as part of the 'Devils on the Run Tour,' a paranormal exhibition that featured the infamous Annabelle doll — a figure long associated with alleged demonic activity. Rivera's Mysterious Death Raises Eyebrows Rivera was discovered unresponsive on Sunday night, July 13, in a Straban Township hotel, according to Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow, who spoke to People magazine . Officials confirmed that Rivera was alone in the room and that no foul play or suspicious circumstances were observed at the scene. The cause of death remains undetermined, pending autopsy results which could take several weeks. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence Degree Design Thinking Finance Others Operations Management Data Science healthcare Healthcare PGDM Data Science others Management CXO Project Management Product Management MBA Cybersecurity Data Analytics Technology MCA Digital Marketing Public Policy Leadership Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details What has added to the mystery is the absence of the Annabelle doll, which Rivera had been showcasing as part of his tour. First responders noted the doll was not in the room at the time his body was found. Dutrow explicitly stated that 'there was no Annabelle doll present' when emergency personnel arrived. The Haunted History of Annabelle The Annabelle doll, which inspired The Conjuring film franchise, has long been at the center of supernatural folklore. As per New York Post , originally given to a nursing student named Donna in 1970, the Raggedy Ann-style toy was soon linked to strange and disturbing events. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952, claimed the doll exhibited autonomous movements, followed people around, and even attacked a police officer. It was eventually moved to the Warrens' Occult Museum in Connecticut for safekeeping. A psychic medium once suggested the doll was possessed by the spirit of a six-year-old girl named Annabelle. Over time, the doll has become a notorious object in paranormal circles, often blamed for unexplained incidents and accidents involving those who came into contact with it. Connection to Rivera's Death? Although there is no official evidence linking Rivera's death to the doll, speculation has been rampant on social media. Conspiracy theorists have drawn connections between Rivera's sudden demise and the supposedly cursed object, despite state police confirming that 'nothing unusual or suspicious' was found during their investigation. Rivera had been a prominent figure in the paranormal field, with appearances on the Travel Channel's Most Haunted Places and production credits on Netflix's 28 Days Haunted. He was touring with NESPR — the organization founded by the Warrens — to educate audiences about the doll's history and the broader world of the supernatural. Tour Will Continue Despite Tragedy Despite the shock surrounding Rivera's death, NESPR has announced that the tour will continue. In a public statement, the organization said Rivera would have wanted the mission to go on, emphasizing his dedication to sharing knowledge and preserving the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren. 'We will carry his spirit in everything we do,' the group stated, underlining their intent to honor Rivera's contributions to the field, as per New York Post . Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans, including fellow paranormal investigator Ryan Buell, who shared his memories of Rivera and praised his role in introducing a new generation to the Warrens' legacy.


Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Viral at 87: How Connie Francis broke TikTok six decades after recording 'Pretty Little Baby'
Connie Francis , one of the most recognisable voices in American pop history, has died at the age of 87. The news of her death was confirmed by her manager and long-time friend, Ron Roberts, in a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday. 'It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night,' Roberts wrote. 'I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence MCA Operations Management PGDM Data Science Healthcare Degree Project Management Product Management Finance Leadership healthcare Data Science Cybersecurity Public Policy Management Others MBA Design Thinking Digital Marketing CXO Data Analytics Technology others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details The announcement came just two weeks after Francis was admitted to hospital in Florida. She had shared health updates directly with her fans, posting on 2 July, 'I am back in hospital where I have been undergoing tests and checks to determine the cause(s) of the extreme pain I have been experiencing.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo According to The New York Post, Francis had been experiencing recurring pain for some time. She was later transferred to the intensive care unit, forcing her to cancel a planned appearance on Cousin Brucie's Independence Day radio show. Final weeks and ongoing health struggles Despite her hospitalisation, Francis tried to reassure her followers. On 3 and 4 July, she wrote that she was 'feeling much better,' though doctors were still running tests. Live Events Her health troubles weren't new. In May, she had revealed she was using a wheelchair after hip surgery. The exact cause of her death has not been disclosed. From Newark to No.1: The rise of Connie Francis Born Concetta Franconero on 12 December 1937 in Newark, New Jersey, she began performing at the age of four, encouraged by her father. Singing and playing the accordion, she entered talent shows and eventually appeared on television, including NBC's Startime Kids. She adopted the stage name Connie Francis before a spot on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, where producers suggested a simpler surname for mass appeal. Though her early career was marked by struggle, with eight unsuccessful singles under MGM Records, things changed in 1957 with her duet The Majesty of Love. It reached the Billboard Hot 100, but her contract was nearing its end. At what was meant to be her final session, she recorded a cover of Who's Sorry Now , a 1923 standard. It took a while to catch on, but when Dick Clark played it on American Bandstand, it shot to No. 1 in the UK and No. 4 in the US. That performance cemented her place in music history. Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry Francis was more than a pop star. She became the first solo female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Everybody's Somebody's Fool in 1960. She was also the first woman to land three No. 1 singles. Hits like Stupid Cupid, Frankie, Lipstick on Your Collar, Don't Break the Heart That Loves You and My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own turned her into a household name. Teaming up with songwriting duo Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, she carved out a unique space with a mix of original songs and covers. She later expanded her audience with Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites in 1959, a move that connected her with older listeners and ethnic communities alike. Francis was one of the first American artists to regularly record in multiple languages. Her repertoire included Italian, Spanish, Yiddish, German, Romanian and Irish. Her 1960 German single Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel topped charts in West Germany and was widely played across Europe, including in Cold War-era Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union. She remained a global sensation well into the 60s, even as the Beatles and Rolling Stones changed the landscape of popular music. Personal tragedy and career setbacks The 1970s marked a difficult chapter. In 1974, Francis said she had been raped while staying at a motel during a tour. She sued the hotel chain for negligence and was awarded $2.5 million, but the trauma led to severe depression. She lost her voice due to nasal surgery and withdrew from performing until 1981. That same year, her brother was murdered by the mafia. Once again, she retreated from the public eye. She later chronicled these experiences in her 1984 memoir Who's Sorry Now?, which became a bestseller. A second autobiography, Among My Souvenirs, followed in 2017. Late-career resurgence and social media fame Though she officially retired in 2018, Francis found herself unexpectedly back in the limelight. Her 1961 B-side track Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok and Instagram, racking up more than 30 million streams and climbing back into the charts. She joined TikTok and responded to the renewed interest by saying she was 'flabbergasted and excited.' The song reached Spotify's global and US charts and climbed into iTunes' US top five pop chart, introducing her to a new generation of listeners. A career that crossed generations Francis sold over 200 million records worldwide. She topped charts in countries including Germany, Italy, Japan and Australia. She also headlined concerts across the US and abroad well into the 1990s and early 2000s. She was inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame in 2009 and was widely recognised for breaking down barriers for women in the music business following the Second World War. Francis was married four times and adopted a son, Joey, during her marriage to restaurateur Joseph Garzilli. She was also romantically linked to singer Bobby Darin and had a long-term partner, Tony Ferretti, until his death in 2022. Francis' songs provided comfort to many in times of loneliness, heartbreak and conflict. Her voice reached across borders and decades, reminding the world that pop music could be personal, global and enduring all at once. Her story was not just one of success but of survival, reinvention and impact. She remained loved, listened to and remembered, even in her final years. Connie Francis is gone, but the music stays.